Welsh Secretary addresses business leaders at CBI Wales event

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has joined senior business figures to discuss business preparations for the end of the UK’s transition from the EU and the coronavirus pandemic.

The event, which took place virtually, was attended by representatives from across all sectors and regions of Wales including Openreach, Pembrokeshire College and UPM.

The Secretary of State told the event that following the UK’s departure from the European Union earlier this year, the end of the transition period at the end of December 2020 will mean new rules which will affect people, businesses and travel to and from the EU.

Regardless of whether a trade agreement with the EU is reached, from 1 January there will be changes to the way businesses import and export goods, to the processes for hiring people from the EU and in the way services are provided in EU markets. Mr Hart urged businesses across Wales to prepare for the changes immediately.

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said:

Businesses are currently operating in extremely challenging circumstances because of the pandemic and UK Government has a number of schemes available including loans, grants and tax deferrals – as well as furlough – to support them and their workers through this difficult period.

But I also urge businesses to look ahead to the changes required to prepare for the end of the transition period which we know is approaching fast. If we are prepared for all scenarios, then together we can seize new opportunities and recover from the pandemic.

Businesses can find out what they need to do by visiting gov.uk/transition and using the checker tool.

ENDS